Transformations needed to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The World in 2050 (TWI2050) is a global multi-year, multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary research initiative designed to provide a science-based, integrative approach to address all 17 SDGs. The new report brings together the work of more than 60 authors from 20 organizations.
The six key transformations are:
- Substantial advances in human capacity are needed through further improvements of education and healthcare – resulting, among others, in higher income and better environmental decisions.
- Responsible consumption and production cut across several of the other transitions, allowing us to do more with less – adopting a circular economy approach and reducing demand is important.
- It is possible to decarbonize the energy system around 2050 while providing clean and affordable energy for all – including through energy efficiency, more renewables and electrification.
- Achieving access to nutritional food and clean water for all, while protecting the biosphere and the oceans requires more efficient and sustainable food systems – for example by increasing agricultural productivity and reducing meat consumption.
- Transforming our cities will benefit the majority of the world population – such as through ‘smart’ infrastructure, decent housing and high connectivity.
- Science, technology, and innovations are a powerful driver but the direction of change needs to support sustainable development.
As it stands, the world is not on course to achieve the SDGs. Some 3 billion people do not have access to modern cooking and sanitation. A billion people go home hungry and do not have access to electricity. These are the people who are often the most vulnerable to the negative consequences of global industrial development, ranging from climate change to biodiversity loss. A transformation towards a more sustainable future that leaves no one behind needs immediate ambitious action. The TWI2050 report shows that this transformation is possible with strong political commitment.
